More than 500 dogs microchipped thanks to Dogs Trust and Bassetlaw Council

Published:15:55Tuesday 24 March 2015

Share this article

More than 500 dogs in Bassetlaw have been microchipped over the last 18-months thanks to a partnership between Dogs Trust and Bassetlaw Council.

More than 500 dogs in Bassetlaw have been microchipped over the last 18-months thanks to a partnership between Dogs Trust and Bassetlaw Council.

Since September 2013, a series of free chipping sessions have taken place ahead of the changes in law which mean that it will be compulsory for all dogs to be microchipped by April 2016.

And at the latest event to be held at Hallcroft Community Centre, Retford, Megan the Golden Retriever became the 500th dog to be microchipped through the partnership.

Marina Dowie, Megan’s owner said: “We moved to the area quite recently and a couple of weeks ago Megan got out and decided to take herself for a walk. We were very fortunate to get her back after someone had spotted her, taken her to a local vets and then to the kennels at Carlton Forest. Getting her microchipped is good piece of mind that we will get her back quickly and safely if she decides to go out by herself again.”

A Dogs Trust spokesperson said: “Dogs Trust is delighted to work closely with Bassetlaw District Council on this important microchipping campaign; we are especially thrilled that Megan the Golden Retriever is officially the 500th dog to be chipped by Dogs Trust.“

“The response has been overwhelming and it is reassuring to see that responsible dog ownership is a priority for local residents. Microchipping has many welfare benefits including the ability to swiftly return lost or stray dogs to their owners and to discourage dog theft.”

“We are committed to reducing the UK’s stray dog population and the success of Bassetlaw’s microchipping partnership with Dogs Trust is a positive step forward for dog welfare in the community.”

Coun Julie Leigh, cabinet member for neighbourhoods at Bassetlaw Council, said: “It’s fantastic that we have been able to get more than 500 dogs from across the district microchipped, which is the single most effective way to have a dog returned to its owner.”

“We have many more events like this planned over the course of the year and dog owners will be able to find information in the local press and on the council’s website as and when the events are confirmed.”

Microchipping events have taken place across Bassetlaw, including Worksop, Retford, Harworth, Tuxford and Beckingham, in addition to two free health-check events where residents could have their dogs immunised, microchipped and collect neutering vouchers.

The next free microchipping event is planned for 21st May at Kilton Forest Community Centre, Worksop.

Anyone who would like to find out more should visit www.chipmydog.org.uk.